For last few years I had been thinking
to write about Jainism. The matter took concrete shape when I started
writing as editor of Jain Darshan, a monthly publication issued on behalf
of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. When the publication completed
the first year, some of the well wishers suggested that if issues of Jain
Darshan can be made available in bound volume, that could be helpful to
those who would like to get a glimpse of the Jain ideology. When I went
through all the issues, I however no ticed that it would serve a better
purpose, if the material is recast in a book form. I therefore reedited
all those articles, made additions wherever necessary and prepared the
material for this small publication.

Even while writing for Jain Darshan, I
had been particular to present the theory from the point of view of pure
Jainism steering clear of different sectarian approaches. That approach
has been kept intact in this booklet. I have noticed that many readers of
Jain Darshan appreciate this approach. This book would be of use to the
people who wish to get unbiased view of Jainism.

It is possible that some errors might
have crept in or some particular aspect might be needing better treatment.
If readers can point out any scope for correction or improvement, all
possible efforts will be made to incorporate them in the subsequent edit
ion.

Before concluding I would like to
thank sub-editors of Jain Darshan for encouraging me to write this book.
Dilip Shah in particular has taken lot of pain in presenting the material
in right shape. Without his help this book could not have taken its presen
t shape and would not have been ready by this time.

Indira M. Doshi Trust was set up in
1987 as a non-profit organisation. Its principal objective is to
popularize Jainism. Its trustees have rightly decided to issue this book
on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Indiraben Doshi.